New hall to add $6K to Yackandandah

AN “odd” collection of chairs and second-rate facilities at the Yackandandah hall will be replaced with 200 cushioned seats and a professional lighting and sound system.

Those behind the $93,000 development say they hope the upgrade will bring new shows and performances to the town, including small orchestras and Hothouse Theatre productions.

It will also transform the standard of shows produced by the community groups who already use the hall, while member for Benambra, Bill Tilley, said he expected the upgrade to bring an extra $6000 into the community every year.

The project, which will also see improvements to the foyer area, is expected to be completed in March.

Regional Development Victoria is behind the bulk of the funding for the upgrade, contributing almost $56,000.

However treasurer of the Yackandandah Theatre Company, Chris Lello, said what impressed those who granted the funding application was the number of organisations who had pitched in with an extra $1000 to $14,000.

The biggest donation was made by the theatre company, followed by the Indigo Shire Council and Yackandandah Folk Festival.

President of the Yackandandah Hall Committee, Russell Munro, was happy to hear that they will receive state funding to improve the facilities at the hall.